Buying a farm in Floyd, VA

[TomNJ]

I traveled the world extensively when I was working and always thought Ireland was the most stunning country of all - until I saw Scotland! But now that I wake up each morning in the Blue Ridge Mountains, I'd actually rather stay home.

I guess I need a vacation though, just to let my sore muscles and wounds heal! With the exception of the initial plowing and disking, I worked this garden with a shovel, rake, and hand trowel. One of the unusual joys of being so rural is the ability to garden naked, while basking in the warm mountain sunshine. Talk about being one with nature, but it does leave one with some sunburn issues!

TomNJ/VA

[JamesL]

Tom,
Garden looks spectacular!

[Barbee]

I want to sit on the porch and have some sweet tea! Really beautiful Tom.

[tjg911]

Originally Posted by DRT0MAT0

the spray I make myself eliminates the need for a fence like yours. I'm surrounded by woods and fields with lots of deer and other critters. After using the spray for about 10 years the deer just walk by and don't even give the garden a second look.

so anyone that has deer in their area is now wondering just what is that spray that you make cuz we want to too! why not post the recipe?

tom those 1st 2 shots are stunning. what a beautiful location. makes one think about why they live in such a dreadful state like ct. i like it here, it's the things that happen here that make me sick and it ain't getting any better.

tom

[TomNJ]

Hey Tom,

Just inspected the German Red garlic and they are indeed scaping (any noun can be verbed!). The scapes are just beginning and most are less than 6" long. I picked them anyway since I'll be leaving tomorrow. I realize they may grow back to some extent, but better than returning in two weeks and finding them straight up and my bulbs smaller.

Tom

[tjg911]

thanks for the update. i was in the garden today and the hooper german red are still scapeless. they don't look like they put on any height either in the past week or two. i never saw such short hardneck garlic! i guess mine will start scaping soon, if they moved out of the garden into the yard i guess they'd be land scaping?

tom

[greyghost]

Your property, view and garden are all breathtaking!!! I'm very happy for you.
Darlene

[Rockporter]

What a beautiful view to wake up to each morning. When I win the lottery I will be doing just like you.

Tom,

Beautiful home, property, and garden. I'm still not sure about gardening in the nude though. If I did, I'm sure all the varmints would die from revulsion. It may be a good way to keep the pesky animals away from my garden.

How close to Smithville are you? I've been thinking about driving all the way to Virginia to find a good supplier of dry cured ham and bacon.

Ted

[TomNJ]

Originally Posted by tedln

Tom,

Beautiful home, property, and garden. I'm still not sure about gardening in the nude though. If I did, I'm sure all the varmints would die from revulsion. It may be a good way to keep the pesky animals away from my garden.

How close to Smithville are you? I've been thinking about driving all the way to Virginia to find a good supplier of dry cured ham and bacon.

Ted

Gee, and I thought it was the electric fence keeping out the varmints - bummer!

That would be a long drive for a ham! Smithville is about 400 miles from me (big state!). But if you do pass that way you are welcome to stop in - we are about an hour southwest of Roanoke.

TomNJ/VA

[remy]

Great pics! So glad you have some excellent property to garden on.

[Crandrew]

Well I'm pretty sure you are living my dream! I dont even know what to say, its perfect!

[TomNJ]

Here are some updated pictures of my new garden in Virginia. After being away for two weeks, everything just shot up! The tomatoes outgrew their ties and were in sprawl mode - it was an effort to tie them back up, especially since they are loaded with tomatoes.

The first cluster of tomatoes shown is Big Beef, which were the first to set and are pumping out fruit. The second cluster photo is Kosovo, where most of the lower clusters have 7-9 large tomatoes. The prettiest plant award goes to Heidi, a semi-determinate paste with beautiful symmetry. The other varieties planted are Brandywine Sudduth, Cherokee Chocolate, Cherokee Purple, Indian Stripe, Stump of the World, German Head, Opalka, Prue, Sarnowski Polish Plum, Mama Leone, and Tony's Italian. All look good so far and are full of fruit.

I am beginning to think 60 tomato plants is a bit much, but I do have a 32 quart stock pot and a 30 quart All American pressure canner, so hopefully I'll be able to handle it. I'll be swimming in tomato salsa, sauce, soup, and juice by season's end!

Already harvested spinach, cabbage, lettuce, turnips, broccoli, and cauliflower, and am now pulling beets, garlic, and green beans. Onions and potatoes are swelling up nicely, and the early corn is setting. Just planted seed indoors for 30 more each of broccoli and cauliflower for a fall crop, and will plant another 50' row of green beans outdoors this week. Think I need to buy another chest freezer!

This is such a change from my little shady garden in NJ, and I am loving it! And the view from the front porch...sigh.

TomNJ/VA

[Redbaron]

It's a beautiful dream!

[greyghost]

An absolutely beautiful garden, Tom. Thanks for updating photos--also
enjoyed seeing what varieties you choose to grow! Darlene